Scallop-breasted Antpitta

A small brown dove with a disproportionately long, broad tail. Both sexes have a dark brown back and wings and an orange-brown head and underparts. Female has several large black dots on the chest that the male lacks. Like most cuckoo-doves, elusive and often difficult to see well in the gloom of the undergrowth of the broadleaf evergreen forests this species prefers. Gives a long series of bouncy hoots.

The most numerous small parrot in the tepui highlands. Plumage entirely green with somewhat darker wings and a distinctive pale crescent below eye. Inhabits humid forest at upper elevations, but occasionally wanders as low as 300 m. Forages in forest canopy and up to limit of vegetation on tepui slopes, feeding on fruit and flowers, but usually seen only in flight. May form flocks of up to several hundred individuals that commute long distances between isolated mountains; such flocks are occasionally seen high overhead in intervening lowlands. Very vocal; most typical call is a high, metallic chattering. Distinguished from Green-rumped and Dusky-billed parrotlets by lack of any blue tones in plumage, longer and bulkier shape, and more grating calls; at close range, eye crescent is diagnostic.

Distinctive long-tailed and long-winged inhabitant of high alpine zones; can be found slightly lower down in winter and around human habitation (towns, monasteries, ski resorts), where it can be quite approachable. Black-and-white wings striking in flight. In the breeding season, the bill is dark and the chin is black (bill yellowish and chin patch absent in nonbreeding season). The head is paler grey in winter. Feeds on seeds and insects. Song consists of buzzy warbles and chirps. Gives nasal “reep” calls and dry chatters.